Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 3991, James Giberson, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER
New Jersey
Giberson, James Gibertson
VP 3991
CONTENTS

James Gilberson
26. 8025
Forwarded by R. M. Cook of New Jersey
J. C. Smallwood Woodbury N. J.

The state of New Jersey Gloucester Ss:
Be it Remembered that on the eleventh day of November 1833 before me the subscriber one of the Judges of the In- ferior Court of Common Pleas of the County of Gloucester, personally appeared James Giberson an applicant for a pension under the Act of Congress of June 7 th 1832 who being duly sworn according to law saith, "That he was born in the County "of Gloucester New Jersey in the Year 1747, "That he has no record of his age, his "house was burnt about twenty five Years "ago, and that with other records and "papers was burnt at that time."
"That he was living when called into "service in the County of Gloucester aforesaid "that he has lived since the Revolutionary "War in the same County, and that he "now lives in the same County of Gloucester"
"That he was drafted when called "into service under Capt Estell, and always "excepting that time he volunteered" -
"That Genl Putnam was with the "Troops where he served at Princeton, Col "Proctor at Egg Harbor and Pulaski "at the same place, and during the time "that they lay at Somerset in the Winter "1777. he and a number of others went "to Morristown where they saw Genl "Washington, he also saw many Regular "Officers at Trenton and Princeton but "do not know their names" he saw "Genl Washingtons Army or part of it

"at Trenton and Princeton, and also when "they went to Morristown as above men- "tioned. Col Ellis Regiment of Militia "was with the Troops where he served "at Haddonfield Mount Holly, Col Sneyd, "at Egg Harbor, Col Taylors at the same "place."
"That he thinks he received a dis- "charge from Capt Joseph Estell which "was burnt about twenty five years "ago when his house was burnt, he "never rec d any other discharge from "the service —
"That he is acquainted with Dane "Baker Esq Gideon Seeds, Daniel Lake "Jacob Glover Esquire and many others, "in his neighbourhood" —
That the whole length of time that he served whilst engaged in a Regularly Organized body was sixteen Months during all which time he served as a private, and during the time, he was not engaged in any Civil pursuit — and was all the time either in the field or in the Garrison — in his original application he has stated that he Volunteered whenever called into the service, he did not always volunteer he was drafted once, when he went with Capt Estell, and as he is hard of hearing he supposes the mistake must have occurred in his not fully understanding the question, as it was put to him and this deponent further saith during the last service

and while he was stationed at Chesnut Creek, a large body of Refugees and Tories was collected and quartered on the Burlington County side of Little Egg Harbor River, and plundered and harassed the Inhabitants whenever an opportunity presented, a considerable number of vessels were were lying at Chesnut Creek, and the British had been three times to that place and burnt the vessels or took them off with them, they also burnt the houses barns &c the British Cruisers were constantly hovering around the coast and occasionally landing and plunder- ing the Inhabitants, which Circum- stances made a force necessary at that place, and in order to protect the Inhabitants and their property and this deponent further saith that a force was kept at the same place for the next two years after the expiration of his service in Decem- ber 1780.
Sworn subscribed date { Ches above before me } James * Gibson Michael C. Fisher } mark

Gloucester Countys ss State of New Jersey
On the sixth day of November 1833 before me the subscriber one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of said County, personally appeared John Thomas a resident of the said County aged seventy nine years and upwards, a person of credi- bility whose statement is entitled to full credit and belief, who being first duly sworn according to law, saith that he is well acquainted with James Giberson and has known him since before the Commencement of the Revolutionary War. And this deponent further saith that he remembers very well when the Company commanded by Capt Joseph Estell Marched from the Forks of Little Egg Harbor River to go to the Eastern part of New Jersey, it was in the Winter of the year 1776-7 he this deponent was there and saw them March away, he was well acquainted with Capt Estell and many of his men and he knows that the said James Giber- son, was one of his men, and that he Marched with them, and was gone until the next Spring he lived in the same neighbourhood with the said James Giber- son at the time - And this deponent further saith that after that time, he and the said James Giberson performed a tour of duty together in the same Com- pany, the Company was commanded by Capt Richard Higbee in Col Taylors Reg- iment the service commenced in the Month of August 1778, and lasted two months.

two months they paraded at the Forks of Little Egg Harbour River where they re- mained sometime, they then marched down the River to Leeds Point and from Leeds Point to Somers Point, during this term or tour there were Troops from the Counties of Salem, Gloucester and Bur- lington at the places above mentioned, and Col Procter was there with some of his Artillery, And this deponent further saith that immediately after this term of service had expired he entered in what was then called "The Egg Harbour Guard" and in their Operations Marching along the Sea Shore and along Little Egg Harbour River and places in the neighbourhood, he frequently met the said James Gibson as he and others of his company would be Marching about the neighbourhood of the Forks of Little Egg Harbour Chesnut Creek & the said James Gibson belonged then some part of the time to the same Capt Hughes Co. and sometimes to Capt Westcotts Co.
Sworn and subscribed the date above before me. { John Thomas Michael C. Fisher } (marks)
Gloucester County SS On the eleventh day of November 1833 before me the sub- scribed one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of the said County, personally appeared Samuel Soy of the said County aged Seventy Seven Years and upwards a person of Credibility, who being first duly

sworn according to law. saith that he is well acquainted with James Giberson and that he has known him since before the Commencement of the Revolutionary War and this deponent further saith that he remembers very well that the said James Giberson was in the service in the Revolutionary War as follows. he remembers that he belonged to a company commanded by Capt Richard Heglee and that he was in the service at the time of the Capture of the British Transport ship Rebecca & Francis in the fall of the year 1775 he remained in this service he believes as long as two months, but is not certain as to the time. He this deponent further saith that he remembers that the said James was in the service from the Month of December 1776 to the Month of March 1777 in a company commanded by Capt Joseph Estell in Col Clarks Regt and that during the time they he was with the company at Haddonfield from Haddonfield they Marched to Mount Holly where they remained until the Hessians drove them from that place which was but two or three days, they retreated to Haddonfield, from there they Marched through the County of Burlington to Bordentown, where they lay perhaps three or four days, from Bordentown they went to Trenton and were in the Battle Rear of the Army the day of the Battle, he remembers seeing the said James at Princeton

immediately after the Battle, he also remembers that he was at Somerset Court House after the Battle at Princeton, where he remained until March, this deponent saw the said James very frequently while at Somerset, he believes almost every day.
And this deponent further saith that he well remembers that the said James Gibson was in the service in the Months of August September & October 1778 at Little Egg Harbour River. It was during this period that Col Proctor was at Egg Harbour as part of the British Fleet lay at the time at the mouth of Little Egg Harbour River. And this deponent further saith that in the Year 1780 he remembers that the said James Gibson was in the service in Capt. Higbee's Company and that the company was stationed at Chesnut Neck on Little Egg Harbour River. he does not know how long the said James Gibson was in this service because this deponent was there but a short time, he has always understood however, that Troops were pretty generally kept at Chesnut Neck a number of Vessels were always lying at this place, and the British had been three times up the River to this place, and had taken some the Vessels, and burnt them, as well as the Houses Barns Hay &c a party of Refugees from the Easterly side of Little Egg Harbour River.

River, were very troublesome to the people in the neighbourhood of Chesnut Neck - which made it necessary to have a force constantly on duty at that place - And this deponent further saith that he and the said James Gibson have always lived in the same neighbourhood, he lived on one side of what was called "the Shore Road" and this deponent the other side, this Road was the division line between the Companies to which he and this deponent belonged, so that they were always he believes in differ- ent Companies, but belonged to the same Regt and Battalion, And further that this deponent was at all the places abovementioned at the times abovementioned, and saw the said James Gibson as he has before stated Sworn Subscribed date above before Michael C. Fisher Samuel Sowy
Gloucester County ss. On the eleventh day of November 1833 before me the Subscriber one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of said County personally appeared John Gi- berson of said County aged seventy nine years and upwards a person of credibility, who being first duly

Sworn according to law faith that he performed a considerable amount of service during the Revolutionary War, and part of the time he was stationed at a place called Chestnut Neck on Little Egghar- bor River, he was there from the month of March or April 1780 till late in the month of December of that year and he remembers very well that his Brother James Giberson was there at the same time and performed ser- vice together most of the time in a Company Commanded by Capt Richard Hughes, in Col Seeds Regiment he this deponent was not out in the same Company with his brother at any other time, he knows that the said James was away from home and it was believed by the family that he was in the service, and he this de- ponent believes that he was, but they were never together but at this time, this deponent understood When the said James had gone away at a time that he was in the service in Capt Estills Company, he was gone all that Winter
from Subscribed Date { his above before "1780" } John x Giberson interlined mark Michael C. Fisher

I John C Smallwood Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Gloucester in the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that Michael C Fisher Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavits of James Giberson, John Thomas, Samuel Sooy and John Giberson were made was at the time of the doing thereof one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of the said County of Gloucester, duly commissioned and qualified and that the signature of the said Michael C Fisher, subscribed to the said affidavits is in the proper handwriting of the said Michael C Fisher
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office at Woodbury in said County this eleventh day of November A D one thousand eight hundred and thirty three
Smallwood Clerk

On this nineteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and thirty three personally appeared, in open Court, before the honorable Judges of the Inferior court of Common Pleas of the county of Gloucester, James Liberton aged Eighty-Six years and up- wards, who being duly sworn according to Law doth upon his solemn oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the act of Congress pass- ed June 7th. 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers and served as herein stated.
In the month of October — 1775 I en- tered in a company commanded by Capt. Rich- ard Hughes, in Col. Richard Lorne's Regiment; the company met at Capt. Hughes' house in Glouas- ter county near the sea shore; from there we crossed over to Brigantine Beach, where we took the British transport ship called Rebecca and Frances. She was bilged and lay in the surf. We took out of her a considerable amount of stores, wine, beef, bread, butter &c. and stripped her of her rigging, guns and a quantity of cannon shot and made prisoners of a part of her crew, about fifty, I think. The prisoners were sent to Phila- delphia under a guard. I formed part of the guard: when I returned from Philadelphia I a- gain joined the company and served some time longer, in all, two months at least and was dis- charged.

I next entered, in the month of December 1776, in a company commanded by Capt. Joseph Estell in Col. Elijah Clark's Regiment; The Company paraded at the Forks of Little Egg Harbor river, in the county of Gloucester; from there we marched to Mount Holly and thence, through Bordentown to Trenton, From there to Princeton, it was not long after the Battle at that place I recollect seeing the horses killed in the action lying about the battle ground, we remained at Princeton two or three weeks and were quartered in the College; we marched from there, thro' Kingston to Somerset and quartered, I think, in the Court House where we remained until discharged, in the month of March 1777. This service continued three months. While we lay at Somerset we had many skirmishes with the scouts and foraging parties of the British Army which lay at New Brunswick, in which we took some prisoners and rescued considerable property. Gen. Putnam commanded us while at Somerset.
In the early part of the month of September 1778, I again entered in Capt. Higgs' Company; we paraded at the Forks of Little Egg Harbor river where we joined a number of other companies from the counties of Gloucester and Salem. Cols. Taylor, Ellis and Clark were there, but I do not recollect which of them commanded the regiment. From the Forks we frequently marched down the river to Seers' Point and sometimes staid there several days. A squadron of the British fleet lay at that time in Little Egg Harbor river and did much damage by robbing the inhabitants and by destroying grain and forage and killing cattle. We remained in the service until the fleet left the

river. In going out, one of the enemy's ships ground- ed on the Outer Bar and they set her on fire and blew her up. I was out at this time two months or more, and was discharged, some time in Novem- ber 1778.
In March 1780 I again entered the service under the same Capt. Higbee, I think, in Col. Enoch Leeds Regiment. The company paraded at Chestnut Neck, on Little Egg harbor river in the County of Gloucester, where we quartered and I remained in the service until December of the same year being nine months in the ser- vice this tour. Part of the British Fleet lay at Little Egg harbor Inlet and they came up the river in their Boats and Row Gallies and as we had no artillery they were enabled to land under cover of their guns and did much damage, burning Houses, barns, grain, hay and vessels. This section of the country was likewise much distressed and harassed by the frequent incursions and rob- beries of the Refugees with whom we had many skirmishes and frequently took them prisoners. It was during this tour that Gilbertson, a notorious Ref- ugee was wounded and taken prisoner by Ben- jamin Bates. We took at one time two Refugee Boats commanded by Capt. Bacon and a man by the name of Stevens; we killed Bacon in the ac- tion and took most of his men prisoners.
I was born in March 1747 in Gloucester county, in which I have resided ever since. I had a record of my age and also a written dis- charge from Capt. Joseph Estell, but they were burnt with my house which was destroyed by fire about 25 years ago. I now reside in Gloucester county.
I saw Gen. Putnam at Somerset and Gen. Pulaski at Egg harbor.

The whole time that I was in actual service of the United States under and whilst in a regularly organized corps was sixteen months, during all which time I served as a private and always volunteered.
I am well acquainted with Daniel Barker Esq. Gideon Ladd Esq. Formerly Revenue Master at the Port of Great Egg Harbour (Daniel Lake Esq. and Matthew Collins Esq.
I have no documentary evidence that I can procure; had a discharge from Capt. Joseph Estell but it was burnt with my house about 25 years ago.
I hereby relinquish every claim whatsoever to a pension, or annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid Ephraim Miller
James F. Giberson (mark)
We Daniel Steelman and Jacob Endicott residing in the County of Gloucester in the State of New Jersey, do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with James Giberson, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be eighty six years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.

Daniel Steelman above names affirmed & Jacob Endicott from in open Court, March 21 1833 Ephraim Miller
Daniel Steelman
Jacob Endicott
In the said Court do hereby declare their Opinion after the inves- tigation, and after putting the Inter- rogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the abovenamed Applicant was a Revolutionary Sol- dier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it ap- pears to them that the said Daniel Steelman and Jacob Endicott who have signed the preceding Certificate are residents in the said County of Gloucester, and credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit —
Ephraim Miller

State of New Jersey.
I John Smallwood Clerk of the court of Common Pleas of the County of Gloucester in the state aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original Pro- ceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of James Giberson for a pension. In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this twenty first day of March A.D. one thou- sand eight hundred thirty three
Smallwood Clerk

State of New Jersey, Gloucester County ss On the 21 st day of March A D 1833 before me the Subscriber one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of the County of Gloucester, personally appeared Job Giberson of the said County aged Seventy three Years and upwards, who alleging himself to be conscien- tiously scrupulous of taking an oath upon his solemn affirmation, saith That he is well acquainted with his brother James Giberson, that they served together during the Revolutionary War at several different times and places they served together at Chesnut Neck at the time the British came up and burnt that place He where served together at the Forks of Little Egg Harbour, and also at Leeds Point in the County of Gloucester And this Affirmant further saith that he remembers very well, that his brother James was gone all the Winter of the Year that the British Army was in the neighbourhood of Trenton, New Brunswick and other places in the Eastern part of New Jersey, and that he went away about the time of the Battles at Trenton and Princeton, and believes that he was under Capt Joseph Estell because, when he went from home he said he was going with Capt Joseph Estell and he has always understood so since

since, and he thinks that he has heard Capt Estelle Speak about it himself
Affirmed & subscribed date above Michael C. Fisher
J. H. Gibson
State of New Jersey Gloucester County ss On the 21st day of March A.D. 1833 before me the subscriber One of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of said County, personally appeared Charles Bartlett of said County aged nearly eighty nine years, who being duly sworn according to law Saith that he is well acquainted with James Gibson and knew him during the Revolutionary War - and before the War commenced and this de- ponent further Saith that he and the said James Gibson served together during the said War in a company commanded by Capt Joseph Estelle, the company marched from the Forks of Little Egg Harbor River through Mount Holly Bordentown to Trenton from there to Trenton then to Prince- ton from there to Somerset Genl Pulham commanded us while at Somerset, we remained out during this tour three months, and were discharged in the Spring of the Year

1777. We were not at the Battle of Trenton and Princeton, having arrived a day or two after they had been fought — the Company paraded in December 1776, and marched from Little Egg Harbour River in the latter part of that month from the subscribed date above before { Charles his Bartlett Michael Fisher } mark
And I the said Michael C. Fisher judge as aforesaid, do certify that the said Job Giberson and Charles Bartlett are credible persons, and that their statements above written are entitled to full credit — Michael C. Fisher
I John C. Smallwood Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Gloucester in the State of New Jersey, do hereby certify that Michael C. Fisher Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavits of Job Giberson and Charles Bartlett were made, was at the doing thereof, one of the Judges of the said Court of Common Pleas duly commission- ed and affirmed, and that the signature of the said Judge, subscribed to said Affida- vits, is genuine — Witness my hand and seal of Office this twenty first day of March A.D. Eighteen hundred thirty three Smallwood C.R.

March 11, 1940
BA-J/MCS James Giberson, R.3991
Mrs. Charles W. Blake 1106 South Shore Road Pleasantville, New Jersey
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your request for information relative to Revolutionary War soldiers, James Giberson (R.3991) who applied for pension from Gloucester County, New Jersey, and Parker Clark who was born in 1766 in Gloucester County, New Jersey, and died in that county in 1844. You state that the records in the Adjutant General's office in Trenton, New Jersey, show that Parker Clark received a pension from the Federal Government.
Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims for pension and bounty land made to the United States and based on the military service of soldiers in this war. A careful search of the records fails to show such claims on file on account of the service of a Parker Clark. In the event that the pension, to which you refer, was granted by the state of New Jersey, it is suggested that you consult the archives at Trenton, New Jersey, for the application papers.
The data which follow were taken from papers on file in the pension claim, R.3991, based on the Revolutionary War service of James Giberson.
James Giberson was born in March, 1747, in Gloucester County, New Jersey. The names of his parents are not shown.
James Giberson applied for pension March 19, 1833, while a resident of Gloucester County, New Jersey.
It was alleged that while living in Gloucester County, James Giberson served as private with the New Jersey troops as follows; from October, 1775, two months in Captain Richard Higbee's company in Colonel Richard Somers' regiment; from sometime in December, 1775, three months in Captain

Joseph Estell * 's company in Colonel Elijah Clark's regiment; from August or September, 1778, two months in Captain Richard Higbee's company in Colonel Taylor's regiment; from sometime in March, 1780, nine months in Captains Higbee's and Westcott's companies in Colonel Enoch Lead's regiment.
The claim for pension was not allowed as proof of the alleged service was not furnished in accordance with the requirement of the pension law.
In 1833, James Giberson's brother, John, "aged seventy nine years and upwards," and his brother, Job, "aged seventy three years and upwards," were living in Gloucester County, New Jersey. There are no further family data shown.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator
* See New Jersey Men in Rev. for correct spelling

1911 Oct. 30 Hist. to William M. Cleninger v. P.O. Letter in S.F. 2235 John Gibson. 1914 Apr. 17 Hist. to Ida M. Harkins Letter in S.F. 2235 John Gibson 1920 Oct. 26 Hist. to Mrs. Leona W. Blake 1927 Nov. 14 " " Frank A. Kendall dis. 1940 Mar. 11 Hist. to Mrs. Chas. W. Blake MCS.
P.O.
Service: _____
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: The printed list of 1852 gives cause of suspension
Re-enlisted: "For further proof from the State Records."
Attorney: _____
P.O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contra
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

New Jersey Revo Act 7 June 1832 James Giberson
Suspended 5991 Letter to J. C. Smallwood Woodbury
30 Nov. 1833 same - May 12 1834 -

James Giberson
Lisbon
Red Bank
Clauden
N. J.
J. C. Smallwood Woodbury N. J.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
19 Sept 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of James Giberson
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.      
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of } On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers :
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
The terms of service are much longer than were usual with the militia & their duty in and require explanation Sprad

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[U] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
actual return

Dept of War Pike Office May 13 th 1834
Sir:
In reply to your letter of the 26 th of last month, I have to state, that the claims of Messrs Budd and James Gibson have been rejected and their papers placed upon the file. I herewith enclose you copies of the letter written to Mr R. M. Cooper in the case of Mr Budd on the 4 th of June 1833.
I also enclose an extract of a letter addressed to yourself on the 30 th of Nov. 1833, in the case of Mr Gibson. These papers still remain on file.
I am
E. C. Mallewood Esq. Woodbury Connect.

Mr. and Mrs. Webb
P. B.
Nov 30, '33
Li
Mr James Giberson in his declarations alleges that contrary to the general course of military service in New Jersey, as fixed by law, that he was called out for two months in 1778 and for nine months in 1780. Services of that character must have been carefully provided for by the legislation of the State. The papers are placed on file until reference shall be made to the laws under which these Troops were embodied.
Similar remarks apply to the claims of John Thomas for a year in 1778, for a year in 1779 and for four months in 1780. Such claims cannot be admitted unless it appears they were authorized by law. As a permanent copy as this is stated to have been, must have been filed it is probable that rolls may be found by search among the archives of the state in the proper office. The Warrants are also placed on file. It is requested that N D The

The claim of Edwards Dorrer who alleges he served in the militia, entire years in succession must be corroborated by similar evidence. The papers are also placed on file
J. C. Smallwood
Woodbury, N.C.
30th Nov. 33
J.C.
Received Nov. 29. A. 1899.
J. C. Smallwood Esq.
Woodbury
New Bern, N.C.

Mrs. Charles W. Blake 1106 South Shore Road Pleasantville, New Jersey
October 4th, 1939
Veteran's Administration, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sirs:
Will you please let me know the cost of having a photostat copy of pension application papers of James Giberson , Revolutionary Soldier from Gloucester County, New Jersey? File 3991 .
Also of the pension application papers of Parker Clark , Revolutionary Soldier from Gloucester County, New Jersey. He was born in Gloucester County, New Jersey in 1766, and died in the same (present Atlantic County) in 1844. The records in the Adjutant General's office in Trenton, N.J., show he received a pension from the Federal Government.
If you will let me know the cost of a photostat copy of the Application papers of each of these men, I will send you a check for the same.
These papers are desired for historical purposes only.
Very truly yours,
Georgiana C. Blake
Mrs. Charles W. Blake.
Mrs. Finch said send abstract instead of photo.
MAC 2/11/40

824 N. 4 th St. Camden N.J. Nov. 3 rd 1927
Mr. E. W. Morgan:-
Dear Sir:-
Will it be possible for me to get a copy of a pension claim made by James Giberson a private in the American Revolution, from Gloucester County New Jersey. affidavit for pension taken November 11 th 1833. pension was rejected. (rejected No. 3991) I am told it is on file in Washington, he being an ancestor of mine, I would like to get a copy, have you application forms to fill out for a search, and is a fee charged, if you will inform me in regards to it, I will thank you very much
Resp Frank A. Kendall.

Camden N.J.
June 15 th 1927.
Mr. Winfield Scott, Commissioner of Pensions, Dear Sir:-
I would like to have a copy of the rejected pension claim No. 3991 of James Giberson, a private in the American Revolution from Glouce- ster Co. New Jersey, affidavit taken Nov. 11 th 1833.
Will you please let me know in regards to it. thanking you I am Sincerely
Frank A. Kendell
824 N. 4 th St.
Camden N.J.

rev. b
612 S. Shore Road Pleasantville, N.J.
Sept. 11 th 1920
Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Sir -
I wish a copy of Pension papers + applications for same of John or Giberson Giberson and James Giberson (or Giberson, spelled both ways in Revolutionary Records) who served during the Revolutionary war from Galloway Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey. John det. Giberson or (Giberson) died in 1792 and his son James died in 1836. I understand James applied for but did not receive a pension because of insufficient service. Am not sure of this, however.
This information is sought only for data to enter the Daughters of the American Revolution.
If there is any charge for copies of these papers, please let me know the amount and I will send check.
Very truly yours
(They are U.S. Pension Mrs. Charles W. Blake Historian Gen'l Lafayette Chapd. D.A.R. App. 3991)

7/2/14 Rev. War Section.
April 17, 1914.
Mrs. Ida K. Horner. Merchantville, N. J.
Madam:
In reply to your letter dated the 11" instant, you are furnished herewith the history of James Giberson (R. File No. 3,991 Rev. War) who was the brother of John Giberson.
The Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any information in regard to a soldier named John Giberson or any other John Giberson of the New Jersey troops than the one whose history was furnished you November 15, 1910 .
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

Information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. James Liberson  Rej. 9991
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Oct. 1775 2 mos. Pvt. Richard Higbee Richard Somers N.J.   Dec. 1776 3 mos. Joseph Estill Elijah Clark   Aug. or Sept. 1778 2 mos. Richard Higbee Taylor   Mch. 1780 9 mos. Higbee Westfall Enoch Seed  
Battles engaged in, ✓
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Gloucester Co. N.J.
Date of application for pension, Oct. 19 1835
Residence at date of application, Gloucester Co. N.J.
Age at date of application, in Gloucester Co. N.J. Mch. 1747
Remarks: This claim was not allowed, & there was not sufficient proof of service as required by the Act of June 7, 1832 under which he applied for pension
Very respectfully,
Sus. for farther proof from the State Records, did not serve such long tours in N.J. mil
Commissioner.
1505b3m10-48
brothers John & Job

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section.
awg
November 14, 1927
Frank A. Kendell 824 N. 4th St Camden, N. J.
Sir:
I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim R. 3991, it appears that James Giberson applied for pension, March 19, 1833, while a resident of Gloucester County, New Jersey, and alleged that while residing in said Gloucester County, he served as a private with the New Jersey Troops, as follows-
From in October 1775, two months in Captain Richard Higbee's Company, Colonel Richard Somers' Regiment; from in December 1776, three months in Captain Joseph Estill's Company, Colonel Elijah Clark's Regiment; from in August or September 1778, two months in Captain Richard Higbee's Company, Colonel Taylor's Regiment; and from in March 1780, nine months in Captains Higbee's and Westcott's Companies,

Colonel Enoch Leed's Regiment.
The claim was not allowed, there was not sufficient proof of service, as required by the Act of June 7, 1832, under which he applied.
It also appears in said claim that James Giberson was born in March 1747 in Gloucester County, New Jersey.
It is not stated that soldier was married.
Owing to the very large number of similar inquiries and the lack of a clerical force available for the purpose, the Bureau is unable to make immediate reply to each inquiry, pertaining to soldiers of the Revolution.
Such information is furnished by courtesy of the Government and without fee, and letters are being answered as rapidly as possible in the order of their receipt.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.